Everyone say thank to Katie Holmes for demonstrating how to wear gray jeans all summer long.
Typically, summer dressing requires significant wardrobe adjustments as the weather outside takes a turn for the sweltering. Heavy knitwear and coats get packed away in plastic until the fall, while slinky summer slip dresses and breezy linen take center stage. Jeans, of course, still occupies an important space in most fashion editors’ summer wardrobes, though white jeans and light-weight denim make it to the top of the pile while black and gray jeans in more rigid denim are often reserved for nights out at a bar.
That’s not the case for Katie Holmes. On June 5, the 47-year-old actor debuted a choppy shoulder-length bob during an outing in New York City wearing a pair of gray cigarette jeans and not-so-basic white knit tee. The light-weight sweater, which she lightly tucked into her jeans with a croc-embossed black belt, featured a crew neckline and slight bell-sleeve for an added feminine touch. She further styled the classic ensemble with a pair of black Chanel slingback pumps and the French luxury brand’s Küçük 25 bag in perforated white leather for a summery finishing touch.
Katie Holmes attends CHANEL Tribeca Şenlik Women’s Luncheon on June 05, 2026.
Getty/TheStewartofNY
.png)
Madewell Longline Straight Jeans
Madewell
.png)
Old Navy Vintage Crewneck T-Shirt
Old Navy
Coach Swinger Bag
Coach
Jeffrey Campbell Trustee Pumps
Nordstrom
Consider this your new go-to summer outfit for when you’re over the white tank top, blue jeans, and flip-flops combo. Here’s what you need to style gray jeans all summer long, à la Katie Holmes.
Pick your favorite black or gray jeans
In Paris.
Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images
Holmes reached for a high-waisted pair of cigarette jeans, a style that’s been resurrected by fashion experts over the past few seasons after years of wide-leg jeans reigning supreme. Of course, a pair of wide-leg jeans would look just as chic with this combo, especially with a form-fitted white t-shirt.
.png)
Hollister Andi Adjustable Waist Low-Rise Medium Wash Baggy Jeans
Hollister
H&M Straight High Jeans
Nordstrom
In Munich.
Moritz Scholz/Getty Images
Katie Holmes rocked a lightweight knit tee, but a cotton white t-shirt is a year-long essential that will come in handy when temperatures get even hotter. The general rule is big on top, tight on the bottom—or visa versa. For a pair of cigarette jeans, a relaxed fit adds an effortless summer vibe, while a baby tee pairs perfectly with baggy denim. Still, there are ways to make baggy-on-baggy work. Try opting for an added feminine detail like Holmes’ bell sleeves or a lace trim to make the outfit feel more intentional, less laundry day.
Hanes Perfect-T T-Shirt
Amazon
Zara Heavy Cotton Lace T-Shirt
Zara
In Paris.
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Nothing says summer like a little white bag, which will likely pair just as well with your favorite summer dresses, making it a worthy investment piece. In fact, my surprisingly spacious Kyle Shoulder Bag by Hammitt has worked its way into my wardrobe well past Labor Day. (P.S. Jenna Ortega has the same one in black.)
.jpg)
Hammitt Kyle Shoulder Bag
Nordstrom
JW Pei Elora Bag
Amazon
I bet you thought I was going to talk about Holmes’ pumps, but the truth is many summer shoes would work in their stead, from a classic ballet flat to a thong sandal or slim sneaker. It’s actually Holmes’ fresh cut that breathes an effortless cool-factor into this otherwise classic look. Thankfully, many of this summer’s trending bobs are surprisingly low maintenance, from the Capri bob to Holmes’ çağdaş lob.
Okay, you don’t need to cut your hair to look chic this summer, but it’s certainly the best time of year to test it out.
